Do not underestimate its unassuming exterior. This could be the travel accessory of the year. And I’m not trying to hype this up. I never thought something like this would exist. It’s genius!

What the Mesh?!

goTenna Mesh is a revolutionary piece of communication hardware that connects to your phone via Bluetooth, allowing text messaging and GPS communication between 2 or more devices. It works anywhere in the world – no cell towers or satellite service required! Think of it as a futuristic walkie talkie, but much, much better.

The concept of goTenna was born in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when mobile networks were vastly disrupted leaving millions of Americans unable to communicate in their time of desperation. In 2015 the first-generation goTenna was launched, garnering well-deserved recognition and awards. Now the next generation goTenna Mesh takes cutting edge functionality to a new level.

goTenna Mesh transforms the smartphone in your pocket into a powerful yet flexible off-grid communication tool that works anywhere in the world, without relying on any other network.

So, what can goTenna Mesh do?

Using the free goTenna app (iOS, Android), easily send text messages and share GPS locations (using offline maps) between phones each synched a goTenna Mesh. That’s awesome just by itself. Imagine using your phone to communicate with your travel partner or travel group without relying on cell coverage – communicating anywhere in the world, even the most remote locations.

The goTenna Mesh takes things further by enabling “hops” between devices. This extends the potential reach of your private network. Plus, you can send group messages and broadcast publically to other goTenna Mesh users nearby.

Sharing map locations

Where would the goTenna Mesh be useful?

There’s no limit to where you can put this little device to use. Here’s a few examples:

Hiking in a remote area.

Emergency situation after a major storm or natural disaster.

A crowded concert or sports event.

Travelling to a new country and you don’t want to use roaming data or pay for a local SIM card.

Road tripping in multiple cars, and communicating with friends/family.

Hiking in remote wilderness of Utah with goTenna Mesh

The range of the goTenna Mesh varies based on interference from the surroundings, but in open terrain point-to-point range is up to 4 miles (6.4 kms), and you’ll get around 0.5 miles (0.8km) in dense urban centres.

And there’s the perks

In addition to the usual text and GPS communications, here’s a few more bells and whistles that send goTenna Mesh over the top:

1) All communications are encrypted end-to-end for maximum security and privacy.

2) Message retry and delivery confirmation so you know when your message has been received.

4) Get up to 10 users in a private group chat – perfect for bigger travel groups.

5) Easily download offline maps within the app.

6) Small and light – only 1.7oz (48 g)

7) The unit is weather-proof – it will work perfectly in heavy rain (maybe just don’t go scuba diving with it).

8) External LED light to indicate the status of the unit. The LED turns off when the device is in normal usage mode to conserve battery.

9) Adjustable silicon strap makes for easy attachment to a backpack. Bright colours make them easy to spot in an emergency and each unit can have a different colour so you can grab the right unit easily.

10) Takes only 1-2 hours to charge and gives over 24 hours usage from 1 battery charge (using standard micro USB cable). Simply turn off the unit when it’s not being used, and it can go for weeks.

11)imeshyou.com – a community that connects other goTenna Mesh users which helps you discover other devices.

If you want to take your goTenna Mesh experience to the next level, the optional goTenna Plus subscription provides more benefits like: topographic maps, location tethering, trip statistics, SMS network relay and more.

goTenna Mesh in the wild

I recently took my goTenna Mesh on a road trip around Arizona and Utah in the USA. It performed flawlessly, making communication easy even when far away from civilization. The offline maps proved to be invaluable and could easily be a lifesaver when hiking.

I kept it on the outside of my backpack, and it never left my side the entire time. I felt a sense of reassurance when hiking in remote locations like Coyotes Butte (The Wave) in Arizona, through to more popular locations like Arches National Park.

In Upper Antelope Canyon, Arizona

The Wave in Arizona

Attaches easily to the side of any backpack

Horsehoe Bend, Arizona at sunrise

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah

The Bottom Line

goTenna Mesh really should be one of the first things you pack in a suitcase before your next trip. They come in 2, 4 or 8 packs, depending on the size of your travel group. And each unit has bright unique colour to clearly identify the owner.

If goTenna Mesh only saves your life once, it will be money well spent. I know I’m not leaving the house again without mine.

Hi there!

My name is Josh and I'm an Aussie who has been travelling the world non-stop for 6 years, and explored 70+ countries so far. I'll help make your next vacation awesome with first-hand guides and essential travel tips.

(click my smiling face to find out more)

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